About Us

Did you know?

ANYONE can get skin cancer, but it happens most often in people with fair skin, light-colored eyes, blonde or red hair, a propensity to burn or freckle, and a history of sun exposure. Also at increased risk are those with a family history of skin cancer.

Who We Are and What We Do

A unique collaboration of patients, families, advocates, physicians and scientists, American Skin Association has evolved over the past two decades as a leading force in efforts to defeat melanoma, skin cancer and disease.

Established to serve the now more than 100 million Americans — one third of the U.S. population — afflicted with skin disorders, the organization's mission remains to...

Advance research

Champion skin health — particularly among children

Drive public awareness about skin disease

Under the visionary leadership of Founder & President George W. Hambrick, Jr., MD, our achievements include:

Supported the work of over 250 exceptional young scientists with the vision, drive and dedication to find new and innovative new ways to prevent, detect and treat skin disease.

With its affiliates, committed $50 million to advance dermatological research — the key to earlier diagnosis, less invasive therapies and, in time, prevention and cure.

Provided free instruction in sun safety and skin health to 12 million children, teachers & parents through award-winning, national public school programs, such as The Wonders of Skin: Looking Good, Being Healthy and ASA's newest initiative for pre-teens and young teens — The Skin You're In.

Established a model laboratory at Weill Cornell Medical College, which today remains one of the finest research facilities of its kind.

Helped Americans to better understand the often devastating impact of skin disease and the skin's irreplaceable role in good health through a free hotline, publications and a Web site developed with The Rockefeller University.

Urged government leaders to support increased funding for research, which is today among the National Institutes of Health's lowest priorities.

American Skin Association (EIN 13-3401320) is a not-for-profit organization recognized as a tax-exempt under the Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). This website was created in collaboration with The Rockefeller University.